LAVH cannot keep cervix?

In reading some posts on here, I'm under the impression that my scheduled LAVH will not allow me to keep the cervix? I guess I did not know that until just now. I have my pre op with the surgeon on Thursday, will definitely be writing a list of questions. My literature he gave me on this doesn't say anything about the cervix...but there's a "before" and "after" drawing of what a woman would look like...and guess maybe the cervix is not there.

Thanks,
Angie

Hi Angie,

Yes - with a LAVH, the cervix is removed. The two types of hysts that retain the cervix are the SAH (Subtotal Abdominal Hyst) and the LSH, which is the hyst I had.

To be a good candidate to keep my cervix, my Dr. wanted to see that I had normal pap smears for years and I had to have a sturdy cervix.

Here is a Hyster Susters link that goes over the ~different types of hysts~ and questions to ask your Dr. in pre-op. Just scroll down.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_preop.htm

Best wishes,

Mary

I am having the LAVH as well and cervix is coming out. I just had an abnormal pap though with positive for HPV so I'm not taking the risk of cervical cancer at a later date. Sort of made my choice a little easier for me. Definitely talk to your doc though if it's not what you want and you are a candidate for another type of hyst that will allow you to keep yours. Good luck!

Thanks...I did not know this until today. Guess he's not prepared me too well....surgery is a week from Monday. So that means (hopefully) no more periods, and probably no more paps then too? Hmmm....

Angie

No more periods for me!
I do remember my doc mentioning something about paps periodically...will have to double check on that one. I'd be okay with periodically just to be sure nothing else is going on...like vaginal cancer.

I also had my cervix removed. And my doc said since I had an abnormal paps before (possible cervical cancer came back benign) that I still have to get yearly paps, because even though its not as common, there is still a chance of vaginal cancer.